🧆 Spinach Garlic Meatballs Stuffed with Mozzarella
📋 Description
These juicy, flavorful meatballs are loaded with garlic, Parmesan, and spinach, and feature a delicious surprise inside: gooey, melted mozzarella cheese. Whether served with marinara sauce over pasta, tucked into a sub, or enjoyed on their own, these meatballs are satisfying and packed with protein. Great for meal prep, dinner parties, or a cozy weeknight dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup fresh spinach, finely chopped
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 oz (115g) mozzarella cheese, cut into ~½-inch cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for frying or baking)
- Marinara sauce (for serving)
🍳 Instructions
- Prep the Filling:
- Cut mozzarella into small cubes (~½-inch). Set aside.
- Mix the Meatball Mixture:
- In a large bowl, combine ground beef, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, egg, garlic, spinach, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper.
- Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Don’t overmix!
- Shape & Stuff:
- Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture and flatten into a small disc in your palm.
- Place one cube of mozzarella in the center, wrap the meat around it, and roll into a ball.
- Repeat until all meat and cheese are used (makes about 12-14 meatballs).
- Cook the Meatballs:
- Stovetop: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook meatballs for 8–10 minutes, turning to brown all sides until cooked through.
- Oven (healthier): Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15–18 minutes on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Serve:
- Spoon warm marinara sauce over meatballs or simmer them in sauce for a few minutes to soak up extra flavor.
🍽️ Servings
- Makes approximately 12–14 meatballs
- Serves 4 people (3–4 meatballs per serving)
🔢 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx)
- Calories: 350–400
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 2g
- Note: Based on pan-fried version with marinara
✅ Benefits
- High protein: Supports muscle growth and satiety.
- Spinach boost: Adds iron, fiber, and antioxidants.
- Low carb: Great for low-carb and keto-style eating.
- Great for meal prep: Reheats well, freezer-friendly.
- Kid-friendly: Hidden veggies and cheesy surprise inside!
💡 Tips
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
- Add fresh basil or parsley for extra herby flavor.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the mozzarella gooey inside.
- Want it saucier? Simmer the cooked meatballs in marinara for 5–10 mins.
- Use part-skim mozzarella to reduce fat without losing flavor.
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I bake instead of fry these meatballs?
A: Yes! Baking at 400°F for 15–18 minutes works great. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Q: Can I freeze them?
A: Absolutely. Freeze raw or cooked meatballs. Reheat in oven or simmer in sauce from frozen.
Q: What can I serve these with?
A: Pasta, zoodles, mashed cauliflower, salad, or in a hoagie roll as a meatball sub.
Q: Can I hide more veggies inside?
A: Yes! Finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or grated zucchini can be mixed in without changing the flavor much.
Q: Are they gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour as a substitute to make them gluten-free.